Home

Central Asia

Why are so many eager to join the “nuclear club”? (Dim Sum/Flickr)

Nuclear Asia: Has the World Gone M.A.D.?

Does every nation have the right to possess nuclear weapons for self-defense? more
Women are central to the mission of microfinance. (Asia Society)

Microfinance and Women: The Micro-Mystique

Worldwide, microfinance loans serve almost 20 million people living in poverty. 74% of these clients are women. more
The five independent countries of Central Asia were once part of the Soviet Union. (Asia Society)

Increasing Security through International Conflict Prevention

Kathleen Samuel discusses her work in Central Asia with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). more
Microfinance programs offer financial services to the poor to help start small businesses. (Asia Society)

Microfinance: Seeds of Change

Microfinance enables people to escape a cycle of poverty by giving them loans to start a trade or business and savings accounts to accrue interest. more
China is the largest manufacturer in the world. (DCvision2006/Flickr)

Manufacturing Malady: The Hidden Cost of a Product

Who or what is responsible for environmental harm caused by manufacturing practices? more
Pollution and power lines in northern China. (AdamCohn/Flickr)

Appetite for Energy: Working Together

How can countries balance building a strong economy with protecting the environment? more
The earth is warming up, and scientists say it is due to greenhouse gases that are released through human activities. (Daryl Mulvihill/Flickr)

Global Climate Change: Face Off with the Future

Do you think people should go on the offensive to slow global warming, or try to adapt to effects as they arise? more

New Ways of Speaking, and Thinking, About Asia

Arif Dirlik: 'The enhanced global visibility of peoples of Asian descent suggests that there is no outer boundary to the notion of Asia.' more
The Silk Road extending from Southern Europe through Arabia, Somalia, Egypt, Persia, India and Java until it reaches China.

Silk Road: Spreading Ideas and Innovations

This essay looks at the great Eurasian Silk Roads as a transmitter of people, goods, ideas, beliefs and inventions. more
A Buddha statue in Sakya Monastery, Seattle, WA. (Wonderlane/flickr)

The Origins of Buddhism

The life of Buddha, the emergence of Buddhism, basic tenets, and major sects throughout Asia. more